How to make it...

Preheat the oven 180°C. Mix 1 tsp ground ginger with the softened butter and spread onto the bread. Arrange the bread and pear pieces into an ovenproof dish.

Beat together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar and 1 tsp ginger and pour over the bread and pears. (If you have too much mix to pour in at once, allow to stand for a couple of minutes so some is absorbed by the bread, then pour on the remaining mix.)

Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden. Serve immediately.